Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell believes they may be lucky not to have star full-back Hugo Keenan against Wales.
Keenan suffered a knee problem during Sunday’s 36-0 Guinness Six Nations win over Italy and did not take part in physical training on Thursday.
The influential 27-year-old is yet to be ruled out of the Round 3 game against Warren Gatland’s side in Dublin on February 24, but has virtually always worn No. 15 for the past three years. ing.
Apart from Keenan, only the injured Jimmy O’Brien and the injured Michael Lowry have started at full-back for Ireland since the end of 2020.
O’Connell said of Keenan: “He did not train today but has not yet been ruled out for the Wales game.”
“He is progressing in his rehabilitation. He participated in training today and participated in all parts of the organization.
“He’s playing a big role. He obviously hasn’t been injured for a long time and is a great player.
“Even if he doesn’t play, it’s probably good for us in a way because he’ll be playing there with other players.
“But we don’t know yet where he is. He was in training today, so we’re hopeful.”
Fly-half Jack Crowley replaced Keenan in the final stages of the game against the Azzurri, but Ciaran Frawley could also be a substitute.
Current squad members Jordan Larmour and Jacob Stockdale were given playing opportunities at the age of 15 early in Andy Farrell’s reign, but have rarely featured since then.
“At fullback, he covers the backfield defensively, but he (Keenan) has a lot of work to do offensively as well,” O’Connell said.
“There’s a lot of IP (intellectual property) that we might miss if he wasn’t playing.
“He also plays a big leadership role for us. He is a very smart guy, a problem solver within the group and is highly regarded within the group.
“Whether he’s there or not, he’ll continue to play that role.”
Reigning champions Ireland have taken back-to-back bonus point wins over France and Italy to take the lead.
Keenan was the only member of Farrell’s team to miss Thursday’s session.
Captain Peter O’Mahony, prop Tadhg Furlong and centers Bundy Aki and Garry Ringrose each played with injuries.
Former Ireland captain O’Connell believes Ringrose, who has yet to feature in this tournament due to a shoulder problem, is on track to return against Wales.
“Apparently so, he trained today, but we didn’t have a big session,” he said. “He’s in good health.”